Grace.
Google it and definitions, songs, sites, and books appear in the search. I landed on Dictionary.com‘s definition under theology:
the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God
I can’t explain why, but all last week I was stuck on God’s grace. Songs about it. Books about it. I talked about it. And, still, I can’t get it out of my head.
It’s a larger-than-life concept for me. No matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to wrap my feeble brain around it. How can I be given this unearned, undeserved, unwarranted gift? This gift of God’s favor and love? Doesn’t God know what I’ve thought? The words I’ve said? The things I’ve done? Doesn’t He realize all the mistakes and questionable choices I’ve made in my lifetime?
Yep. And, God still loves me. God gives me His favor. That’s grace.
Grace has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with the Giver.
If it had something to do with me, I’d never experience it. (I’ve made more than my share of mistakes and mess-ups.) If it was up to me, I’d never deserve it. (I should have been written off a long time ago.) I can’t earn it, or work for it, or do one single thing to attain it. Grace is all God’s.
For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. Ephesians 2:8-9 VOICE
Not only did He save me, thankfully, God continues to forgive me, to mature me, and to have mercy on me. He loves me unconditionally. He never leaves me. And, He gives me grace to overflowing. Overflowing to equip me to live this life for His glory and for others’ good.
And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NET
This grace isn’t just for me, however.
Oh, no, not at all. I’m nothing that special. The good news is it’s for us all. Every single one of us. And, it’s for you, too, my friend. God extends it to each of us, again and again, on top of what’s already been given.
God is full of grace. From him we have all received grace in place of the grace already given. John 1:16 NIRV
Yes, it’s for us all. It’s ours in Jesus. Not of our own efforts. The life-changing, eternity-pointing, provision-overflowing favor and love of God.
No wonder it’s called amazing!
Maybe today’s the day we will fully live in it. Maybe we’ll extend it to another. Or, who knows? Maybe we’ll remind someone else of how amazing it is.
How have you experienced God’s amazing grace? How has this reminder encouraged you today to live in it fully? When was the last time you thanked God for it? (I’m doing that today!) I’d love to read your thoughts below.
The freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. Even if we can’t explain it or understand it fully, we can live in it. Boldly. Brightly. Amazingly. Thank you, God!
Much love,
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I was lying in bed just last night and said to God, “I don’t know how You put up with me or why You’re so good to me!” I paused and then said, “I know why. Jesus!” Thank goodness for Grace through Jesus! Otherwise this wacky, self-centered, far from perfect gal’d have no hope! This is really, really good Julie!
I’m with you, Cindy. I’m with you. Yes, grace through Jesus. We can thank God for it today, can’t we? (And every day!) Thanks for being here. Have a blessed day!
In my morning Bible study devotional/journaling time this week, I began the book of John. I do a slow and deep walk through scripture, listening to what God might be saying to me through them. Sometimes I get parked somewhere for a few days and this week is one of those times. Your words are reminding me of the verse I can’t seem to let go of. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 Every time I read those words, I get shivers on my scalp. Such grace.
Hi Kim! I personally cherish it when God parks me on a certain scripture or truth of His. This one is powerful. Such grace is correct. So thankful for it… and for you! Enjoy your day. May it be blessed in every way as you continue to seek Him!